Scared of planned giving because it feels too technical, expensive, or “only for big institutions”? In this episode, you’ll learn how even the smallest nonprofit can launch a simple, effective planned giving program in just one week—without a big budget, complex gift vehicles, or a team of experts.
Key Takeaways:
- Small and mid-sized nonprofits can be highly successful with planned giving by focusing on simple, practical actions instead of waiting for perfect materials or large teams.
- Launching planned giving is less about a formal campaign and more about starting real conversations with your most loyal donors.
- Framing legacy giving around the long-term life and impact of the mission, rather than death, makes the conversation more natural and values-driven.
- Starting with gifts in wills keeps things simple for both organizations and donors, avoiding technical complexity while still generating meaningful future support.
- Consistent stewardship—personal thanks, insider treatment, and recognition—reinforces a donor’s decision to include an organization in their will and deepens the relationship over time.
“[Planned giving] is a conversation that’s the opposite of death. It's a conversation about life: the life, longevity, and sustainability of your nonprofit in your community.”
“MEAL is an acronym for Meals Expertly Allow Learning.”
“The most powerful idea in planned giving is also the simplest: start.”
- Tony Martignetti
Tony Martignetti is the evangelist for Planned Giving. In September, he publishes his book, Planned Giving Accelerated, to help small- and mid-size nonprofits launch by making Planned Giving fundraising easy, accessible, and affordable.
All the book info is at PlannedGivingAccelerated.com.
He started as a front-line Planned Giving fundraiser in 1997 and kicked off his consulting in 2003.
Tony is a lawyer, but he doesn't talk like one. Instead, he weaves in his stand-up comedy and improv past to bring Planned Giving within reach for small- and mid-size nonprofits.
Reach out to Tony Martignetti at:
Website: https://www.plannedgivingaccelerated.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignetti/
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